שָׁחוּט

From the study of 1 Kings 10:16

Range of meaning

A passive form found only in 1 Kgs 10:16–17 and 2 Chr 9:15–16, always describing gold. The common verb spelled shaḥaṭ means 'to slaughter' (of sacrificial animals), and it is not related here. Older dictionaries such as BDB list a second root meaning 'to beat, hammer', so 'beaten (out)'. Some newer treatments, including HALOT, suggest 'alloyed, mixed' instead, meaning gold combined with another metal.

Against the English

KJV, WEB, ESV and NASB have 'beaten gold', and BSB and NIV have 'hammered gold'. These follow the traditional view, which the Greek ('drawn out, beaten thin') also supports. YLT's 'alloyed gold' follows the alternative view.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Greek Septuagint translates it elatos, 'beaten out, drawn thin', the same word it uses for hammered metalwork elsewhere. That reflects the earliest known Jewish understanding. Ancient Near Eastern craftsmen routinely hammered gold into thin sheets to cover wooden objects (compare the gold-covered furniture of the temple, 1 Kgs 6:20–22).

From the study of 2 Chronicles 9:15

Range of meaning

The word appears only in 1 Kings 10:16–17 and 2 Chronicles 9:15–16, always describing the gold of these shields. The usual explanation is 'beaten, hammered out,' meaning gold worked into thin sheets. Some lexicons give a separate root for this sense, not the same word as the common verb 'to slaughter.' An older suggestion is 'mixed, alloyed' gold, which is the source of YLT's 'alloyed.' Because the word occurs only here, every lexicon marks some uncertainty.

Against the English

KJV, WEB and ESV-type versions say 'beaten gold.' BSB and NIV say 'hammered gold.' YLT says 'alloyed gold.' 'Beaten' and 'hammered' mean the same thing. 'Alloyed' would make the claim smaller: gold mixed with other metal, not pure.

Used elsewhere in the period

Hebrew elsewhere describes gold-working with other words, for example miqshah ('hammered work') for the lampstand in Exodus 25:31. The Greek Septuagint of this verse is generally read as having elatos, 'beaten out' or 'drawn out,' which supports the 'hammered' reading. Hammered gold sheet laid over wood or other material is well attested in ancient Near Eastern craftsmanship.